Many believers in multiple gods claim that there are at least two gods with opposing properties. It is also a common belief among early mystical religions, like Gnosticism. Gnostics assert that the god that we worship in this world is an evil imposter and that there is a true, benevolent deity beyond this realm. Thomas de Quincey created the term ditheism.
Polytheism
A belief system that believes in many gods, polytheism. This form of belief is often called de facto polytheism and is prevalent among a variety of cultures. For instance, Buddhists believe in many different gods, and Hindus believe in many gods. This belief is in contradiction to Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Islam, who believe in one God.
Monotheism
While there are many different religions, only a few can be classified monotheism or polytheism. This article will explain the differences between these two types of belief. These beliefs are also related to some terms.
Monotheistic religions
There are many monotheistic religions. Each religion has its own distinctive beliefs. Some are more exclusive than the others. According to the Christian religion, God has come to humanity in three ways. Rejecting one of these gods will result in the person losing God's protection.
Egyptians
Ancient Egyptians believed there were many gods. Each one had its own abilities and characteristics. According to their religion, netjer meant a variety, but not all, of all beings that were all powerful and all-knowing. But Egyptian gods still had great power. They could live indefinitely, survive mortal injury, and make visible changes in the lives and actions of others.
Syncretic Recombinations
Syncretic recombinations are the blending of different forms of belief and practice. The Assyrians, for instance, occupied Israel in the ancient world and then repopulated it with peoples from other Assyrian locations. These people intermarried with the Jewish population. It was the birth of a new mix people called Samaritans. These people are mentioned in The New Testament, and can still be found today in north central Israel.
Origins of polytheism
Polytheism refers to the acceptance of multiple gods within a religion. This is a violation to the Oneness of God. This is also a very primitive stage of the evolution in religious thought. The majority of empirical investigative scientists see monotheism's evolution as an improvement on polytheism. Catholic thought takes an opposite approach. They view polytheism to be a corrupted version of monotheism.